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Two Post-Surgery Accessories - never seen mentioned

Dear Scolis,

Two things REALLY helped me through my recent surgery and I want to share:

1.) I purchased a cheap twin-sized memory foam topper (Walmart) which my daughter put on my hospital bed when I left ICU. (My surgeon thought it was brilliant.) I also took it to the rehab facility after being discharged from the hospital. A great pain reducer.

2.) After coming home, I wore overalls instead of pants. Two advantages: easy to dress myself AND there's no rubbing against the incisions.

A final thought - consider an 'end of the year' donation to FOCOS (http://www.orthofocos.org/) which helps African children get scoliosis surgeries. The surgeons donate their time, but there are still expenses.

I remember at the hospital how uncomfortable the bed was. The bed probably cost $50,000 and it just blew me away on how uncomfortable it was. I was complaining but then I guess they hear many of these types of complaints and go in one ear, and out the other. I wish I had someone sneak me in a piece of foam....

Taking this advice and just ordered my own foam mattress topper! Can't wait for it to get here in just a couple days. I moved back to my apt in NYC and I can't deal with my old mattress like I used to. Thank you for sharing!

Update: The foam changed my life and sleep for the better. Less soreness when waking up!

Latex Foam for beds

There is nothing like a "latex" foam bed. (Or topper) Before or after surgery, all patients.

The cheap foam of the old days had an orange color. This is used in a lot of furniture manufacturing because its cheap. This is petroleum based foam that gives off volatile organic compounds.....It also breaks down in time.

Latex foam has a bone or white color. The latex is what helps maintain or control density. It will not break down with age. Its considered "organic" foam and is natural.

If a mattress is hammocked, or sunk down in the center, laying any foam on the top will conform to that shape. There are tricks with older beds such as laying a piece of plywood on the top of the box spring that can help some. Home depot will cut plywood to any dimensions and deliver it.

If a good piece of 4"-6" thick latex foam is purchased, (They can be pricey) you can lay this down on a floor and it will be a flat sleeping setup, and also can be used as an emergency mattress for people that come and visit.

Foam can be cut to shape with a large kitchen knife. Always apply force AWAY from your body when using a knife. (Keep eyes on your hands) Foam pieces can also be cut to elevate a bed at the foot of a bed, for elevating legs if need be. I cut my topper off when my shoulder was broken which produced a lower level for my shoulder to rest in.